Pardew's Magpies join the seagulls on Tynemouth sands and show they could cope with the Copacabana's foot-volley kings PLUS: Debuchy move hitch

Alan Pardew has given his Newcastle players a taste of the Copacabana, as they used their local Tynemouth beach to train.

The Toon boss recreated scenes that have been a backdrop to the World Cup in Brazil for his squad’s third full day back in pre-season training – even throwing in a game of foot-volley, which is the main pastime on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

The Magpies travelled to ­Tynemouth to exercise in glorious sunshine, with running and ball games lightening the mood after several tough days of physical tests and running.

Midfielder Ryan Taylor admitted the heavy schedule had left some players flagging during the running sessions.

“There have been a few shouts of, ‘I’m going to be sick!’” he said.

But the 29-year-old, on the comeback trail after 10 months out with knee trouble, added: “I didn’t come near feeling that way. I’ve worked tirelessly to get to this point and I’m loving it.”

Taylor has been using the dunes at nearby Seaton Sluice all summer - including a punishing session where physio Derek Wright makes him CRAWL up the hill like an army commando.

On Wednesday, the players bonded by taking a compulsory dip in the surf.

But this was not just part of the fun - Newcastle's sports science staff reckoned the North Sea was doubling as an ice bath to soothe players’ muscles.

New signings Siem de Jong and Jack Colback were among those training, but there was no sign of the club’s World Cup stars, who have been given extra time off after their exertions in Brazil.

Those include right-back Mathieu Debuchy, who has agreed personal terms with Arsenal only for Toon owner Mike Ashley to look to try to hold out for more than the up-front £8million.

(Photo: Quinn Rooney)

Newcastle have been scouting for Debuchy's replacement since March, when they became aware the France international wanted out. Feyenoord and Holland star Daryl Janmaat is a target.

The Geordies kick off their pre-season fixtures at Oldham’s Sport Direct Arena next Tuesday, and will then head off to New Zealand for two matches and to Germany for two more.

Youngster Gael Bigirimana said many of his team-mates are out to prove a point early on in pre-season.

He said: “When you have not had the best season you have to clear the head and work out why you’ve not been in the team. I can’t wait to get going.”

The only thing that was missing on Wednesday was a sandcastle building competition!